Road Trip: Highlights of England

Biking across the iconic landmarks in London can be a fun way of getting to know this great city better. Meet your local guide ahead of the tour near the exit of the Queensway tube station. Astride your bikes, take a leisurely ride through town, soaking up all the history and anecdotes shared by your guide. Pedal past the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. At Trafalgar Square, make a pit stop for lunch at a traditional pub, relishing the classic pub fare washed down with a mug of delicious cider or ale. Continue touring the monuments, sights and sounds of the historic square after lunch. Also drop by the Royal Parks and London’s Kensington Palace. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 4 hrs; Times: 1100; Shared Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Moderate; All children over 12 years have to be able to ride a bike & all those under 18 to be accompanied by adult; Please dress appropriately for the weather; Daily tours from Sep 17–Oct 31, 2019; and from Thu–Mon during Nov–Dec 2019).

Embark on a leisurely discovery of one of the world’s most visited cities. If you’ve had your fill of art museums, then a trip to the Chocolate Museum in Brixton or the Design Museum with its mind-boggling array of exhibits might be just what you need. Afterward, pop into a couple of the historic bookstores that the city is famed for. Enjoy a meal at one of the elegant restaurants in Kings Cross and stop by the train station popularized in the Harry Potter series for a photo opportunity! Or, you could get something to eat at a cozy pub in Trafalgar Square followed by a leisurely stroll down Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping street. As the sun goes down, head up Primrose Hill and settle down to enjoy stunning views of the city skyline against the twilight sky. (Half Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover London in all its historic glory as you enjoy a traditional English tea featuring the best of the city’s culinary offerings. This indulgent tour takes you aboard the luxurious Bustronome where the top level of the double decker bus is transformed into an elegant dining room. Choose from an aromatic collection of teas or sparkling bubbly to sip on while you are driven past the most iconic landmarks in London such as the Tower Bridge, Royal Albert Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament. Read up the stylish menu not just for an update on the courses to follow but also for juicy bits of information on the various city sights – for example, how the Royal Courts of Justice are guarded by a bronze dragon! Tuck into savory bites like cheese mushroom braised with truffle oil and delicate eggs Florentine as you take in the sights outside. Nibble on lemon meringue pie and the Bustronome special, macaron with praline nuts, to lavish your senses with sweet delight. (Shared Activity; Frequency: Wed, Fri, Sat; Duration: 1 hr 45 mins; Times: 15.00)

Unlock the mysteries of this world famous prehistoric site as you explore it at your own pace. Leave your hotel in your rental car to the UNESCO World Heritage site passing by the scenic countryside. Head to the informative visitor and exhibition center to gain background on the significance of this historic site. Afterward, wander around the cluster of massive stones placed in a circle as you try to come up with reasons they came to be here thousands of years ago. Get a closer look at the five Neolithic huts furnished as they might have been when this monument was built. Stop by the café to relish rock cakes and an array of beverages before it’s time for you to continue your drive to Bath. (En Route Activity; Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Discover Bath at your own pace while riding the open rooftop, hop-on hop-off bus, which traverses two distinct routes across the city. Listen to live information and anecdotal commentary on board as you pass by famous landmarks of Bath. Between stops, soak up the relaxed vibe of Bath’s Georgian streets, and visit the various attractions based on your personal interests. From food to literature, and films to architecture, there’s plenty to uncover. On the City Tour, apart from window shopping and people watching around the high street and the city college, expect to see the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa, Royal Crescent, The Circus, Jane Austen Center, and Grand Parade. On the Skyline Tour that extends to the English countryside outside of Bath, see Pulteney Bridge, Prior Park Landscape Garden, and the American Museum. Enjoy stunning vistas of the city from the wooded and meadow-covered Bathwick and Widcombe hills, replete with native wildlife. (Half Day; Time: First tour begins between 9:30am and 10:30am, Last tour begins between 3:30pm and 6:30pm; Duration: Attraction visits are variable, tour busses depart every 6-12 mins during summer and 30 – 60 mins during winter; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes)

Indulge yourself on this tour of the 2000-year-old Roman baths in Bath. Admire the large open-air complex filled with natural water, and the recent Victorian additions featuring statues of notable personalities. See views of Bath Abbey on the streets outside as you amble along the wraparound terraces. Learn about this well-preserved ancient spa during an hourly guided walking tour, see innovative and interactive projections on glass, which bring the ruins to life, and listen to costumed staff explain ancient cosmetics and wellness rituals. Notice the separate circular cold-water baths, the ancient heating systems, and water from the thermal springs that flows into the river nearby. Browsing exhibits in the museum next door, see skeletal remains, old temple inscriptions, private altars, carved façade pediments, and the gilded head of Sulis Minerva’s statue, among other relics. You can also taste the mineral water from these sacred springs. Listen to live piano sessions at the elegant Pump Room as you savor drinks and snacks before dispersing. (Flexible Duration; Shared (Public) Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Easy; Children under the age of 5 enter free)

‘Explore the scenic English countryside and villages as you explore the renowned Cotswolds region on your own. Stop at idyllic villages to stroll down the cobblestone streets lined with thatched roof cottages. While Broadway offers you quaint family-owned stores, Naunton has its splendid river views and Guiting Power sits on the slope overlooking a small valley. Travel on to the elegant Sudeley Castle that is home to the final resting place of Catherine Parr, last queen of Henry VIII. Saunter around your pick of ten castle gardens, each with a unique theme and design! Explore the interiors of this sprawling castle that was once a royal residence and features exquisite panels of Dutch painted glass, excellent paintings, and sculptures. Afterward, pop into historic pubs and traditional tea houses to sample authentic local fare and entertainment before you head back to your hotel. (Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy.) ‘

From your hotel in the Cotswolds, drive through the beautiful English countryside to arrive at the magnificent Blenheim Palace, and explore it at your own pace! Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, and on the fringes of Cotswolds AONB, explore this birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. You can travel through three centuries of stories from the Blenheim Palace aided by a state-of-the-art experiential tour. Step into the many staterooms and galleries that showcase the life and style of the British Royalty. Apart from the family chapel, and the great library, browse through Winston Churchill’s permanent exhibition. You can also take the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens, laze about the Butterfly House, and navigate the Marlborough Maze. Relax by the lake, watching ducks and sheep, before your onward journey. (En route Activity; Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy)

Discover the old medieval city and university town of Oxford on this fascinating walk in the company of an Oxford graduate. Explore the venerable town with its romantic architecture, gathering authentic insights on student life on this entertaining day trip. Stroll among Oxford’s “dreaming spires”, its cobbled streets, domed structures, medieval chapels, quiet cloisters and quadrangles. Glean interesting trivia on the town’s history, heritage and traditions from your student guide. If you’re lucky, you could get to visit a typical college, complete with Gothic elements, quadrangles and an ancient dining hall hung with portraits of its famous alumni. (Half Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Moderate; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)

Experience a short, leisurely river boat ride down the charming Cherwell River with a professional punter. Come abroad your flat-bottomed boat at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse, which stands next to Magdalen College Tower, across the road from Oxford’s Botanic Gardens. If you wish, you could also make a day of it on the river, returning half an hour before sunset. Glide past some of Oxford’s iconic landmarks, including the Botanic Gardens and Magdalen College school fields. Row past the Christ Church Meadows, where Lewis Carroll once taught students and wrote his two great masterpieces – Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Continue traveling past the lovely gardens of St Hilda’s College before returning to the boathouse. If you wish, you could also continue rowing down towards the “Isis”, what they call the Thames in Oxford, and enjoy cruising along this beautiful riverscape. (Duration: 30 mins; Private Activity; Transfer not Included; Fitness level: Easy)

Soak in the stunning beauty of one of England’s most picturesque regions with an enjoyable exploration at your own pace. Drive amid majestic mountains, serene lakes, and cozy valleys as you head to the Lakeland villages that have inspired poets such as Samuel Coleridge and William Wordsmith. Pass by the market town of Keswick, halting a while to explore the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle that is the most popular one in Cumbria. Zoom past pretty lakeside villages such as Borrowdale and Buttermere renowned for their idyllic appearance. Stop to savor the gorgeous beauty of the landscape and in clear weather, enjoy views up to Langdale Pikes as also Scafell Pike, the tallest peak in England. Travel on to reach Catbells Fell for more splendid views. You could take a break for lunch and step into one of the cozy village pubs before exploring some more or turning back. (Full Day; Self Organized Activity; No Guide; No Transfers Included; No Admission; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Experience the ethereal beauty of the Lake District on this fascinating cruise of Windermere Lake, the largest in England. Set off from Bowness Bay and pass hidden bays, secret inlets, and quiet wooded islands bordered by verdant mountain views all around. Inhale and fill your lungs with pure, country air as you take panoramic views of the lush scenery. Enjoy the stunning contrast of green hills and blue waters on this circular Islands cruise. (Shared Activity; Self Drive Transfer; Duration: 45 mins)